The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Department of Heritage just launched a Consultation on the implications of generative artificial intelligence for copyright.
The press release announcing the consultation gave this reason for the consultation.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canada’s legislative frameworks remain responsive to modern realities. That is why the government proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, as part of Bill C-27, and continues to consider how other legislative frameworks may need to be updated to address the changing technological landscape, including the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, launched a consultation to gather Canadians’ thoughts on generative AI tools and the implications for copyright holders to give consent and receive credit and compensation for the use of their works.
The questions to be studied over the course of the consultation, which are outlined in the consultation paper, will address three issues:
- Text and data mining – i.e., whether any clarification is needed on how the copyright framework applies to the use of copyright-protected works and other subject matter (e.g., a performance or sound recording) in the training of AI systems;
- Authorship and ownership of works generated by AI – i.e., how the copyright framework should apply to AI-assisted and AI-generated works; and
- Infringement and liability regarding AI – e.g., who are the persons liable when AI-generated works infringe copyright-protected works.
In considering possible copyright policy options relating to AI, the Government states it will aim to balance two main objectives:
- To support innovation and investment in AI and other digital and emerging technologies in all sectors in Canada. AI has tremendous potential for society if used ethically and responsibly, and could also drive productivity growth across the economy.
- To support Canada’s creative industries and preserve the incentive to create and invest provided by the rights set out in the Canadian Copyright Act (the Act), including to be adequately remunerated for the use of their works or other copyright subject matter.
Canadians have until December 4, 2023, to submit feedback online.
ISED and the Department of Heritage are also planning to hold a series of roundtables with a variety of stakeholders, including those involved in the creative industries and AI development.
*. Note, on November 30, 2023 the Consultation was extended to January 15, 2024. Here is a copy of the notice announcing the extension.
Hello,
The Government appreciates the engagement of Canadians in the Consultation on Copyright in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Your insight provides a better understanding of the interactions between copyright policy and emerging AI technologies.
Given the strong interest in the consultation and the importance of canvasing varied perspectives, the consultation period is extended to January 15, 2024. You now have until this date to submit your feedback via the online submission questionnaire.
If you have not yet submitted your response online, we invite you to do so. Your feedback will help inform the next steps on Canadian copyright policy related to AI. We thank you in advance for your important contribution.
Yours sincerely,
Samir Chhabra (he | him)
Director General
Marketplace Framework Policy Branch
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada / Government of Canada
samir.chhabra@ised-isde.gc.ca Tel: 613-290-1063
Amy Awad
Director General
Digital and Creative Marketplace Frameworks Branch
Canadian Heritage / Government of Canada
amy.awad@pch.gc.ca Tel: 819-921-5613
Bonjour,
Le gouvernement apprécie l’engagement des Canadiennes et Canadiens dans la Consultation sur le droit d’auteur à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle générative. Vos perspectives offrent une meilleure compréhension des interactions entre la politique en matière de droit d’auteur et les technologies émergentes d’IA.
Compte tenu du vif intérêt suscité par la consultation et de l’importance de recueillir des points de vue diversifiés, la période de consultation est prolongée jusqu’au 15 janvier 2024. Vous aurez jusqu’à cette date pour soumettre vos commentaires via le formulaire de consultation en ligne.
Si vous n’avez pas encore soumis vos commentaires, nous vous invitons à le faire. Vos commentaires éclaireront les prochaines étapes du développement de la politique canadienne en matière de droit d’auteur liée à l’IA. Nous vous remercions d’avance pour votre contribution importante.
Cordialement,
Samir Chhabra (il | lui)
Directeur général
Direction générale des politiques-cadres du marché
Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
samir.chhabra@ised-isde.gc.ca Tél: 613-290-1063
Amy Awad
Directrice générale
Direction générale des Cadres de politiques pour les marchés numériques et créatifs
Patrimoine canadien / Gouvernement du Canada
amy.awad@pch.gc.ca Tél: 819-921-5613